DuckTales (1987 TV series)

DuckTales was an American animated series from Walt Disney Television Animation. It debuted in syndication on September 18, 1987, and ran for 100 episodes over four seasons, ending on November 28, 1990. The show drew from Carl Barks' Uncle Scrooge and Duck universe comics, centering on Scrooge McDuck, his grandnephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie, and their close companions. Most episodes involve treasure hunts or efforts to stop villains from stealing Scrooge's fortune or his prized Number One Dime.

The series spawned video games, merchandise, comic books, and a theatrical film, *DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp*, released on August 3, 1990. It was Disney's first cartoon made for weekday syndication, and its success led to other shows like *Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers* and *TaleSpin*, forming the *Disney Afternoon* block. The theme song was written by Mark Mueller. Launchpad McQuack later became a main character in *Darkwing Duck*. In February 2015, Disney XD announced a reboot, which premiered on August 12, 2017, and ended on March 15, 2021.

The premise begins when Donald Duck joins the Navy and asks Scrooge to care for his nephews. Scrooge, reluctant due to their energy and his focus on wealth, eventually warms to them after they prove themselves, taking them on adventures. Scrooge is known for his Scottish accent, spats, and top hat; his family hails from Castle McDuck, and he came to America as a young duck by inventing shoe-shining machines. The show regularly features Gyro Gearloose from the comics, and Donald appears in season one—either fully or in cameos via letters. Glittering Goldie, adapted from the comics, also appears. New characters include nanny Mrs. Beakley, her granddaughter Webby, pilot Launchpad McQuack, Doofus Drake, and butler Duckworth. Season two adds "caveduck" Bubba and his pet triceratops Tootsie, plus Fenton Crackshell, Scrooge's accountant who secretly becomes Gizmoduck.

Primary villains from the comics include Flintheart Glomgold, who wants to replace Scrooge as richest duck; the Beagle Boys, who target his money bin; and Magica De Spell, who seeks his Number One Dime. Changes from the comics: Flintheart is Scottish, wearing a kilt; Magica has an Eastern European accent, says "darling," and has a brother Poe turned into a raven; the Beagle Boys have distinct personalities and are led by their mother Ma Beagle. Minor villains often try to steal Scrooge's wealth or beat him to treasure.

Stories fall into three themes: stopping villains from stealing Scrooge's fortune or dime; racing for treasure; or focusing on specific characters. Some plots are original or based on Barks' comics, while others parody classics or legends, referencing Shakespeare, Jack the Ripper, Greek mythology, Ancient Egypt, James Bond, Indiana Jones, Frankenstein, Dracula, dinosaurs, Sherlock Holmes, and more. After season one, the show shifted from global adventures to stories set mainly in Duckburg.

The cast includes Alan Young as Scrooge McDuck, Russi Taylor as Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby, Chuck McCann as Duckworth and Beagle Boys, Terry McGovern as Launchpad McQuack, Frank Welker as Bigtime Beagle, Baggy Beagle, Poe, and Bubba, Hal Smith as Gyro Gearloose and Flintheart Glomgold, Joan Gerber as Mrs. Beakley and Glittering Goldie, Hamilton Camp as Fenton Crackshell/Gizmoduck, June Foray as Ma Beagle and Magica De Spell, Peter Cullen as Bankjob Beagle, Brian Cummings as Doofus Drake, and Tony Anselmo as Donald.